Atletico identify English forward as possible replacement for Barcelona target Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid may already be preparing for the possibility of losing Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona, despite their public stance that the Argentine is not for sale.

Julian has made clear his desire to leave Atletico and join Barca, while Joan Laporta has confirmed that the Catalan club have already made an offer for the striker.

According to SPORT, citing L’Equipe, Atletico are now interested in Mason Greenwood, currently at Olympique Marseille, as a potential attacking replacement.

The 24-year-old already knows La Liga after his loan spell at Getafe, where he scored nine goals and provided six assists in 36 matches.

A possible key to the Julian operation

The report claims Diego Simeone has approved Greenwood’s profile, seeing him more as a finisher than a natural right winger.

That detail matters for Barcelona because Atletico have repeatedly argued that they cannot consider Julian’s exit without first finding alternatives.

Laporta recently said Atletico know Barca’s offer and suggested the Madrid club’s refusal is linked to not having a replacement lined up.

Greenwood would not be a simple deal. Marseille reportedly want around €50 million, while Manchester United still hold 40 percent of the player’s rights.

Fenerbahce and Roma are also said to be interested, which could complicate Atletico’s plans.

From Barca’s perspective, this is a situation to watch carefully. If Atletico seriously advance for Greenwood, it may be the first real sign that their position on Julian is not as immovable as it sounds.

Still, Barcelona should not mistake interest for agreement. Atletico will protect their interests, and Julian remains an extremely difficult signing.

That said, every replacement link matters. If the door opens even slightly, Barca must be ready.